Baron Davis signs a $ 1.4 million – one year deal with the New York Knicks – NBA Update
Baron Davis has had a well travelled career, but one place he always wanted to play at was the Madison Square Garden. On Monday morning, the bearded point guard got his wish.
Till yesterday, there was a vibe around that the Knicks will engage Davis, who was amnestied by the Cleveland Cavaliers recently, for one year. The move was completed swiftly on Monday with Davis agreeing to a veteran minimum of
$ 1.4 million.
The move can be a bit of a gamble for the Knicks though. Davis is suffering from a back bone injury which could take upto 8-10 weeks to heal. In a shortened NBA season that period can mean a lot. Davis however was hopeful for
an early return;
"For me, it's taking it one day at a time and ... getting as close as I possibly can to practicing to practicing as soon as I possibly can." He said according to ESPN.
The move however has its dividends for the Knicks. Davis is a brilliant play maker and with his vision and ability to stretch the court, he can provide a big boost to an already talented front court lineup. Tyson Chandler, the
seven foot centre, who has also joined the Knicks this season, was happy at Baron’s arrival and highlighted that the point guard’s role at the franchise will be much easier;
"He's not going to be needed to score as much as he's done his entire career," said Chandler. "At the end of the day, we're going to (give the ball to) Amare and Carmelo. With him here, we just need him to be able to get us in
the offense, play defense and make the right basketball plays. He has a great basketball IQ."
After the Cavaliers freed their cap space from Baron’s contract, a lot of teams including Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers had shown their interest in the burly one-guard. The Knicks however were always tipped to be his first
priority and his arrival has added further depth to the PG position.
The Knicks already have Mike Bibby and Toney Douglas at that spot. With rookie Imran Shupert and Landry Fields set to take the shooting guard slot and Carmelo Anthony, Amare’ Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler imminent on the 3, 4 and
5 position, the Knicks can switch between Bibby, Douglas and Davis at the point.
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